With the end of the year fastly approaching, many grade 12 students are hustling to get their 40 volunteer hours in time for the deadline. For this reason, I have composed a list of 10 ways to get your hours in.
1. Senior Homes
A wide variety of volunteer opportunities exist within senior homes that could cater to whatever interests you — from front desk reception to committee work; from the café and kitchen to greeting and driving at the Friendship Luncheon programs; from cooking at the barbecues to helping arrange for guest speakers — senior homes could always use your help. For more information visit https://www.oakville.ca/culturerec/seniors-centres.html
2. Local Churches
Many churches are open to accepting volunteers so make sure to visit your local church to find out the diverse ways you could help out.
3. Elementary Schools
Elementary schools offer great opportunities for volunteer experience and hours so make sure to visit or email your elementary school teachers to find out the ways in which you could help out while getting your volunteer hours!
4. Local Libraries
Through the Oakville Public Library’s six branches, OPL provides learning opportunities for students all across the town of Oakville. For more information visit https://www.opl.on.ca/blog/volunteering/
5. Festivals
Even though festivals and parades are seasonal, make sure to always stay on the lookout for upcoming events happening in Oakville, surrounding towns like Burlington or Toronto, simply by checking out the town’s website.
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- One upcoming event happening this July is the Oakville Children’s Festival – A one-day free family fun festival held in at Coronation Park. For more information visit https://www.oakville.ca/culturerec/oakville-childrens-festival.html
- The city of Toronto hosts Tree Planting & Stewardship Events which is an event to help grow Toronto’s urban forest by planting trees, shrubs and wildflowers. This event offers many dates and locations, making it flexible and can accommodate to the tight deadline or your busy schedule. For more information visit https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/get-involved/volunteer-with-the-city/tree-planting-stewardship/
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- The city of Burlington provides a Festivals and Events Volunteer Form that allows students to sign up for a seasonal newsletter providing several volunteer opportunities. Make sure to sign up and stay updated for any upcoming volunteer opportunities outside of our town! For more information visit https://webforms.burlington.ca/Parks-and-Recreation/Festivals-and-Events-Volunteer-Form
6. Volunteer at Soup Kitchens
Many soup kitchens are always open to accepting volunteers. Some local soup kitchens include:
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- Kerr Street Mission. For more information visit https://kerrstreet.com/volunteer/
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- Oakville Fareshare Food Bank – they are currently not accepting volunteer application until September 2018. For updates visit http://www.oakvillefoodbank.com/volunteer/
7. Town of Oakville
The town of Oakville provides many resources and opportunities for students to be involved in their communities through a variety of different things while also getting those hours! For more information visit https://www.oakville.ca/townhall/volunteer-opportunities.html
8. YMCA
Whatever your talents, interests, or schedule, there is an opportunity for you to support their programs and events or providing expertise and leadership. For more information visit http://ymcaofoakville.org/opportunities-to-give/volunteer/
9. HMC Connections
The HMC is a non-profit organization, that rely on volunteers to get involved by assisting newcomers to Canada. The organization provides endless possibilities for volunteers to help with special events, governance, or working one-on-one with a newcomer. For more information visit http://hmcconnections.com/services/volunteer-opportunities/
10. Our School
STA provides its students with many opportunities to get their volunteer hours in while also getting involved in our school community. Make sure to listen for announcements and check out the school website for volunteer experiences within our school clubs or visit the student service office for diverse volunteer opportunities.
*Some volunteer locations will provide volunteers with a signed form of their hours, however, not all do. Make sure to take the volunteer forms from the student service office. When signed, return to the front desk in student services to register your hours.